Preference for solder and flux?

[George R]

I was wondering what some of the professional plumbers on this site prefer in the way of flux and solder. I'm just a DIYer but I seem to do a fair amount of sweating pipe for friends and relatives. I very rarely have a bad joint but some just seem to flow smoother than others and end up looking much neater.

I understand the the basics, like clean, clean, clean the pipe and fitting, and heat the fitting, not the pipe. But never really thought about the flux and solder much. I seem to buy small quantities for the job at hand, and sometimes it goes smooth as silk and other times it just doesn't seem to flow well (although I rarely get a bad joint.)

So the question is: WHAT DO THE PROS PREFER IN THE WAY OF SOLDER AND FLUX?

[hj]

Basically whatever the supply house is selling at the time.

[jrejre]

I'm not a pro, but have done enough soldering to have some preference. No preference on solder - well, I actually liked it better (for soldering anyway) when it had a little lead in it. Now, any lead-free solder. I guess I usually get Oatey 95/5 or 97/3

I buy Nokorode flux paste flux.

Just my 2 cents.

[RioHyde]

Oatey #5 flux or #95 tinning flux.

Bridgit or Silvabrite solder.

[jimbo]

I have never seen a scientific evaluation of fluxes. Every plumber SWEARS by the one he uses. I like the #95 tinning flux. Some people hate it.

I suggest buying a small tin of several; do some practice soldering and see how each reacts to your technique, and which one gives you the best job. You could even bandsaw some fittings in half after to see if any gave better penetration.

[Terry]

I buy Bridget when I can. It lays up real nice.

[George R]

Thanks guys for the responses. I have tried the nokorode and #5. Just bought a tin of #95 a few weeks ago based on someones suggestion on this forum (don't remember who, maybe jimbo or rio) and used it once. Can't say I have a strong preference for any of the above.

I'll look for the bridget and silvabrite.

Thanks again for the responses.

[jimmie]

bridget is my choice..be aware though it's silver solder, and costs quite a bit more than regular 95/5. The nice thing about it is it heats at a lower temp, flows real nice, and leaves a nice cast. I dont think honestly, I have ever had a bad joint with it. Also I agree on the nokorode..it's just good stuff.

[TheLink]

I like the silver solder. Flows like the old 50-50 but without the lead. As for flux, I like the water soluble type. Don't get this on your hands and be sure to wipe off the joint and flush out the pipe as soon as possible. I find when I use other types of flux it can take months before the water stops tasting like the flux. The difference in cost is nothing if you look at it compared to the cost of the plumbing.

[sparks98]

Pros here had me use Utility flux with AquaPure solder. Made a world of a difference. Utility is self-cleaning, so you don't have to clean the copper pipe before you solder. I always DO clean it first, but I know a few guys who claim they NEVER clean it when they use Utility and never had a bad joint. I can't find AquaPure, but the supply house sold me some 100% Watersafe by Canfield. We'll see how I like that.

[captwally]

I swear by Oatey #95 Tinning Flux used with a quality solder and make sure your pipes are DRY